North Carolina, January 20, 2026
Buddhist monks are making strides through North Carolina as part of their Walk for Peace, advocating for compassion and mindfulness. Their journey, which began in Texas, aims to unite communities and raise awareness for Vesak Day’s national recognition. With Aloka the Peace Dog back in the group after recovery, they continue to draw strong support from local residents, seeking to inspire healing and peace across the nation. Their anticipated arrival in Raleigh is on January 24, 2026.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Buddhist monks undertaking a Walk for Peace have continued their journey through North Carolina, drawing significant support as they advocate for peace, compassion, and unity across the nation. The group, comprising about 18 to 19 monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, has been traversing the state this week, with recent stops in various communities and an anticipated arrival in Raleigh by January 24, 2026.
The monks’ presence in North Carolina marks a significant stage in their extensive pilgrimage, which began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025. Their overarching mission is to foster a sense of national healing and to inspire individuals to cultivate inner peace, kindness, and compassion. They also seek to raise awareness for mindfulness and to advocate for the official recognition of Vesak Day as a national holiday in the United States.
Current Movements Through North Carolina
Throughout the past few days, the monks have been warmly received by residents across North Carolina. On January 16, 2026, the group was observed traveling between Concord and China Grove, engaging with community members who offered encouragement and support. They passed the halfway point of their 2,300-mile journey on January 17, their 83rd day of walking.
Earlier in the week, their companion, Aloka the Peace Dog, rejoined the procession in Charlotte after recovering from surgery for a pre-existing leg injury sustained in South Carolina. Aloka is being gradually reintegrated into the daily walk. The monks’ route through North Carolina is expected to include areas such as Harrisburg, Kannapolis, and Salisbury, before progressing towards the Triad region, with an estimated arrival in Greensboro sometime between January 20 and January 30, 2026. The culminating point in the state is expected to be Raleigh, where the monks plan to visit the State Capitol on January 24, 2026.
The Walk’s Purpose and Practices
The Walk for Peace is a profound spiritual endeavor, not intended as a protest or political demonstration. Instead, its core purpose is to awaken the inherent peace within each individual and promote unity in society. The monks adhere to ancient monastic customs, walking at a meditative pace, consuming one meal daily, and often sleeping outdoors beneath trees. Three of the monks, including the spiritual leader Bhikkhu Paññākāra, are undertaking the entire trek barefoot, symbolizing humility and dedication. Two other monks maintain a practice of never lying down throughout the three-month journey.
The pilgrimage has garnered widespread public attention, with local communities frequently turning out in large numbers to greet the monks at their rest stops and engage in shared activities. This strong public engagement highlights a nationwide interest in their message of unity and compassion. The monks express gratitude for the growing support, noting that the turnout has exceeded their initial expectations.
Journey Details and National Impact
The extensive Walk for Peace spans approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) and is projected to last about 120 days, culminating in Washington, D.C., in mid-February 2026. The journey will take the monks through a total of ten U.S. states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Along the route, they stop at various state capitols and local communities, distributing Buddhist bracelets as symbols of protection and blessings.
The pilgrimage has encountered challenges, including a road accident on November 19, 2025, in Texas, where two monks sustained injuries. One monk, Bhante Dam Phommasan, suffered severe trauma requiring leg amputation, but remarkably rejoined the group in Georgia in early January 2026 after his recovery. Despite such setbacks, the monks have remained steadfast in their commitment to their mission, continuing to inspire hope and connection across diverse communities. Upon reaching Washington, D.C., the monks plan to present a petition to the U.S. government, urging the official recognition of Vesak Day, which commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, as a national public holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace?
The purpose of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace is to promote peace, loving kindness, compassion, national healing, unity, and nonviolence across America and the world. It also aims to raise awareness for mindfulness, mental healing, and to urge the U.S. government to recognize Vesak Day as a national holiday.
Where did the Walk for Peace begin and where will it conclude?
The Walk for Peace began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025. It is scheduled to conclude in Washington, D.C., in mid-February 2026.
How long is the Walk for Peace and how many states does it cover?
The Walk for Peace is approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) long and is expected to take around 120 days to complete. It covers ten U.S. states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
When did the monks arrive in North Carolina and where are they heading next?
The monks were in North Carolina on January 16, 2026, traveling from Concord to China Grove. They were also in North Carolina on January 17. They are expected to reach Raleigh by January 24, 2026. Their route includes areas such as Charlotte, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, and Salisbury, before heading towards the Triad region, with an estimated arrival in Greensboro between January 20 and January 30, 2026.
Who is Aloka, and what is his role in the walk?
Aloka is a rescue dog who accompanies the monks on their Walk for Peace. He recently rejoined the procession in Charlotte, North Carolina, after recovering from surgery for a pre-existing leg injury.
Key Features of the Walk for Peace
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | October 26, 2025 | Nationwide |
| Origin City | Fort Worth, Texas | Nationwide |
| Estimated Conclusion | Mid-February 2026 | Nationwide |
| Destination City | Washington, D.C. | Nationwide |
| Total Distance | Approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) | Nationwide |
| Duration | About 120 days | Nationwide |
| Number of States Covered | 10 U.S. states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.) | Nationwide |
| Purpose | Promote peace, compassion, unity, national healing, and advocate for Vesak Day as a national holiday | Nationwide |
| Current Location (January 20, 2026) | North Carolina (recently Concord, China Grove; heading towards Greensboro, Raleigh) | State-level |
| Key Participants | About 18-19 Buddhist monks, including Bhikkhu Paññākāra, and Aloka the Peace Dog | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Celebrates Emotional Reunion of Aloka the Peace Dog and Monks
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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